Catching with my pregnancy diaries, in this post, I will share the prenatal tests that you will undergo in your first trimester. There are standard tests, and depending on your doctor and existing health conditions, you might need to get more.
On my 9th week, my first check-up apparently, I was asked to do the following tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- HBsAg (Hepatitis) –
- Rubella IgG
- Urinalysis
- HIV Ag/Ab
- STI
I availed of the pregnancy package from My Health Clinic in Shangri La Plaza Mall branch for Php 3,500. Other laboratories offer the same lab package as Hi-Precision, but it was hard last September, given the protocol for COVID-19.
The package includes all the test above plus:
- Blood Typing
- OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test)
I took it all as they will test the same sample anyway.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test will check if you have anemia or other infections in your body.
HBsAg (Hepatitis)
Hepatitis is a liver disease that can be passed on to your baby. If you are tested positive, you will need extra care during pregnancy.
Rubella IgG
German measles can cause congenital disabilities; having it tested will determine whether you have received a vaccine and is already immune to the disease.
Urinalysis
Urinalysis will determine whether you have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or a High Level of Glucose.
HIV Ag/Ab
HIV attacks the immune system of the body and causes AIDS. If you have one, you can pass it on to your baby.
STI
STI can cause complications to your pregnancy. The most common STIs are syphilis and chlamydia. If you are at risk, the doctor may order another test later in your pregnancy.
Blood Typing
A pregnant woman should know her blood type. The blood typing test will determine whether the baby and the mother are compatible. The fetus may inherit the father’s blood type resulting in antibodies that will affect the baby’s red blood cell.
OGTT
This test is usually done on the 23rd week onwards. It will determine if you are prone to gestational diabetes or already have one. If you have a family history, you can mention it to your doctor, and you will have the test in your first trimester.
Results
All results came well except for my OGTT. Since I have PCOS, I am more prone to Type 2 Diabetes. My doctor advised having it tested again on my 22nd week after the gender ultrasound to rule out or take care of it.
Laboratory Experience
Since we are still under the threat of COVID-19, it was tricky getting your laboratories done.
I preferred to have it in clinics as the number of patients is controlled versus big hospitals.
It is advisable to choose a weekday for appointments for a lesser waiting time. Pregnant women are prioritized like senior citizens and PWD.
If you are doing the OGTT, you need to have fasted for at least 6-8 hours.
Get your paperwork ready and make sure you have IDs, cash, a pen, and a sanitization kit.
If you are extra careful, you can also wear PPE. Wearing a face shield and surgical mask is required. I have to highlight surgical or medical-grade masks as they do not allow cloth or fancy masks to be worn.
Depending on the patient volume, you can be queued faster or later. The branch caters to pre-employment medical check-ups, so there are many patients that day.
I spent almost five hours in the clinic because of the OGTT. I cannot drink water or eat a snack.
Funny Notes:
HIV and STI tests will require you to answer questions similar to drug testing. You will be asked when did you have your first intercourse, how many partners you had, and if you got involved with same-sex intercourse.
I find it personally funny, but you also need to declare to get accurate results.
Prenatal Laboratory Tips
- Secure an appointment
- Be on time
- Choose a branch with lesser patient volume
- Go on a weekday
- Get your gear on – mask, face shield, PPE, alcohol
- Bring a book or a headset for entertainment
- Bring power bank
- Bring snacks and water
- Be patient
- Be honest
Number 10 tip is crucial as you need to declare your last meal. Over fasting may alter the lab results. If you say the real-time, they can change the queue to prioritize you.
You can view your result on time except for the HIV and STI as it is confidential.
How was your experience?
